Putridity

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The condition characterized by decomposition and the resultant foul smell is a notable feature of organic matter in a state of decay
2. This term refers to the state of decay that leads to offensive odors arising from the breakdown of organic substances
3. The quality of being rotten or decomposed and typically emitting a strong, unpleasant odor

Etymology: "Putridity" is simply "putrid" with the suffix "-ity" added, and the suffix is the more interesting half of the story. "-ity" comes from Latin "-itas," which turns an adjective into a noun for a quality or state, so "putrid" (rotten, decaying) becomes the abstract idea of rottenness itself. English took the word from French "putridité," which carried the same suffix over from Latin. The root "putrid" comes from Latin "putridus," meaning rotten or decayed, which in turn grew from the verb "putere," to stink. The word thus describes a smell before it describes a state, and the noun names the condition that produces that smell.

Synonyms: decay, rottenness, foulness

Antonyms: freshness, purity